The Page 1 Podcast

The Page 1 Podcast is a weekly show that features a variety of guests and thought leaders on topics ranging from channel strategies, to tariffs, influencer marketing, best in class product launches, and all the details about how to accelerate your eCommerce sales with the big box retailers, or what we call rCommerce.

Brand Storytelling | Connecting With Customers - Ed Lynes EP 61 09/18/2020

Brand Storytelling | Connecting With Customers - Ed Lynes EP 61 The Art of Purposeful Brand Storytelling. How do you communicate with your customers with the right messaging? How do you develop that trust relationship that keeps bringing them back? One thing all customers have in common is a pain point, and your product has to first solve it. In this episode of Page One Podcast, Luke Peters speaks with Ed Lynes on the importance of building a trust relationship with your customers using the right messaging. Ed is the founder of Woden, a strategic messaging agency that helps you build consumer trust and remove friction. He helps transform your brand with a powerful story. Listen in to learn the areas that you need to target the customer and make a connection that will lead to relationship building. You will also learn the power you hold by understanding customer purchasing behavior and how you can use that to your benefit. Key Takeaways: Understanding how to build a relationship with your customers and communicating your purpose the right way. The importance of creating a brand story that allows your customer to be the hero who understands your product’s pain point. Learn about the things that are going to help you build better affinity and customer value. The power of understanding customer purchasing behavior and then aligning your messaging with it. Episode Timeline: [3:18] How at Woden they help brands with the right messaging to develop a customer relationship. [4:18] The three areas to target the customer, make a connection with them, and start building a relationship. [8:03] Learning how to communicate your brand’s purpose and letting the customer know you understand their pain point. [11:36] Ed shares a case study of how they helped a company that was suffering from genericide right their customer messaging. [17:29] How to create a brand story where the customer comes out as the hero with your product. [21:33] How to articulate your brand’s messaging to make sure that the customer understands the pain point. [26:53] How to find the motivation and the perception of why the customer is purchasing the product they’re purchasing. [30:18] How to focus on things you can control with your customer during uncertainty. [33:55] Ed recommends some of his strategies in understanding people and how to market to them. Quotes: “Every brand should know how to talk about themselves in a way that’s clear, compelling, and memorable.”- Ed Lynes [35:37] /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/15681533

Using IP to Unlock A Huge Market - Smart Home Water Leak Detection– Larry Beger EP 60 09/11/2020

Using IP to Unlock A Huge Market - Smart Home Water Leak Detection– Larry Beger EP 60 Larry Beger: Making Homes Smart with Smart Technology What does it take to grow a multimillion-dollar company in a billion-dollar industry? Imagine creating an ever-improving technological system that caters to the consumer and hence increased trust. In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Luke Peters speaks with Larry Beger, the CEO of Elexa Consumer Products. This is the company that offers the water leakage detectors system and valve controller, Guardian. He has been with Elexa since the late 90s and has driven it to immense successes, some failures, and struggles. Listen in to learn Elexa’s business model that has enabled them to scale globally and garner much consumer trust. You will also learn the advantages of labor outsourcing and a strong online marketing strategy. Key Takeaways: The power of outsourcing labor to cut expenses and have room for flexibility. The benefits of having a strong online presence as a brand in 2020. How to use technology to do online marketing and establish customer trust. The importance of developing a simple product with the consumer in mind. Episode Timeline: [2:19] Larry explains how their leak detector works, other products, and how they have improved it with technology over the years to make homes smart. [6:27] He explains how the sense detectors detect leakage which works as a physical connection. [7:39] The cost of setting up these technologized leak detectors and other future products that will bring the cost further down. [9:49] The scale of the business across the world and how they outsource for technical labor through third-party logistics to cut expenses. [11:17] He mentions their retailers, online market and presence, their internal sales team, and outside sales representatives. [13:10] He shares a story of how he was surprised when they once made massive sales 2 days after Christmas. [15:10] Larry describes himself as an idea person and how they have positioned themselves in the market. [20:22] How they use technology to market and gain customer trust. [21:56] He explains one of their competitive advantages as the ease of installation and the DIY installation aspect of the Guardian products. [27:28] How he struggled with the mechanical side of the business when they first started since he wants the customers to get the best. [31:31] He shares an interesting story of a business failure he made 15 years ago and the lessons it taught him. Quotes: “Don’t be afraid to fail, you can always learn from your own mistakes.”-Larry [33:18] /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/15762857

Crowdfunding for startups using kickstarter for product launches- Adam Craft EP 59 09/04/2020

Crowdfunding for startups using kickstarter for product launches- Adam Craft EP 59 Adam Craft: Understanding Crowdfunding Product Launching What is the best way to launch your product- on Amazon or Kickstarter? Over the last recent years, these two platforms have become vital in launching products into the market. Crowdfunding (Kickstarter) is a great way to launch your product faster and gain customer feedback and loyalty. In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Luke Peters speaks with Adam Craft on how he successfully launched a product on Kickstarter and the journey that was. Adam is the founder of Elevated Craft and his flagship product The Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker, a design that raised over $472,000 on Kickstarter late last year. He continued taking presales and in just a few months his revenue exceeded $600k from almost 8,000 backers. Listen in to learn about the process of crowdfunding before, during, and after a product launch. You will also learn the difference between an Amazon and a Kickstarter product launch. Key Takeaways: The importance of having backers who take their time to know the product as you take care of them. The difference between doing an Amazon launch vs. crowdfunding. The advantage of the one on one customer feedback and loyalty on Kickstarter than anywhere else with product launches. The importance of having a cool product to attract backers on Kickstarter. Episode Timeline: [4:03] How being a student of crowdfunding, and doing a lot of research helped Adam raise money on Kickstarter. [5:21] How he prepared for the funding by first investing in the product. [7:03] He explains how he was able to run an aggressive campaign on Kickstarter and sell the product on different platforms. [11:02] The duration of a Kickstarter campaign and all the work that goes into it- preparing, during, and after the campaign. [13:39] The importance of the first three-day stage of the campaign and how to prepare for it. [16:28] Factors that differentiate between Amazon and crowdfunding and why each has unique potential in the success of product launches. [19:15] Adam explains the aspect of loyalty and true customer feedback witnessed on Kickstarter that is unavailable elsewhere. [21:14] The lessons he has learned about supply, marketing before launching and planning for enough sample production. [23:51] The most important things to get effective results from your Kickstarter campaign. [26:54] He talks about the amateur mistake he made of putting all his trust in one factory and later they failed him and he ended up regretting. [29:38] How he keeps a big list of product ideas to always have a pool to look at. Quotes: “The most important part of the campaign is your first three days, so if you launch your campaign and then you start thinking about running ads, that campaign is probably already dead.”- Adam [14:55] /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/15762830

Customer-focused product development process with a distributed team - Shauna Lagatol Ep 58 08/28/2020

Customer-focused product development process with a distributed team - Shauna Lagatol Ep 58 Have you tried a more in-person consumer product testing over desk research? How is your product development process, do you keep the consumer in mind through the whole process? In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Luke Peters speaks with Shauna Lagatol, a 17-year CPG, food and beverage veteran, and the CEO at Spencer Trask & Co. She started her career in bioscience and now drives for business success. Listen in to learn how Shauna creates and drives a team from freelancers that help come up with innovative products. You will also learn how to create a product with the target consumer in mind by allowing them to personally test the product. Key Takeaways: How to be inspired by the consumer when creating a product. The importance of building a brand by conducting in-person consumer product testing over desk research. Why direct to consumer approach is the now of brands to connect with consumers. The process of outsourcing capable team players for your project. How to work efficiently by utilizing software when working with freelancers remotely. How to market around trends model. Episode Timeline: [3:04] How she led an innovation team to quickly launch multiple products at Nestle Waters. [4:42] She explains the strategies of getting one on one with consumers that they used when creating those products. [7:08] The product development process that the team follows before the product is released into the market. [9:52] She explains the creative ways that both big and small companies can use to get their products tested by in-person target consumers. [13:37] How in-person consumer product testing helps startups understand their target customer and build their brand at the same time. [16:41] She explains the strategies that both big and startup companies can utilize to get directly to the consumer. [20:34] How to balance your strengths and weaknesses by learning what you don’t know and sourcing for help. [23:26] She explains how she creates a team out of capable freelancers to help with her projects and where she gets them. [27:12] The difference between large companies and startups in managing teams. [29:26] She describes her approach to incorporating software to help work efficiently and hold team members accountable. [32:04] How to launch a product, what to consider, and the benefit of a small company over a big one in product launching. [34:54] Learning to leverage the current events to amplify your social media strategy. [37:53] How she has learned to ask deep inquisitive questions to help understand where the other person is coming from. [40:26] Why she regrets not having written goals earlier in life. Quotes: “Direct to consumer is the now of how brands will connect to consumers.”- Shauna Lagatol [16:59] /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/15744794

Product Launches Plans & the Ultimate Retail Buyer Strategy– Julie Walker EP 57 08/21/2020

Product Launches Plans & the Ultimate Retail Buyer Strategy– Julie Walker EP 57 Julie Walker: Strategies to Turn Your Retail Business Scorecard Green Is your buyer’s scorecard green? It is important to add value to your buyer beyond the product you’re selling which will lead you to gain influence. In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Luke Peters speaks with Julie Walker, she is a seasoned executive with 30 years of industry experience spanning brand management, shopper marketing, sales leadership, and multiunit retail operations. Before starting her own strategic firm, she was the CEO of Shopper Events and spent 24 years at Proctor& Gamble. Listen in to learn how to validate your product and make the design stand out from the competition. You will also learn the strategy that will get you the attention of the buyer and fulfill their expectations of your business. Key Takeaways: The importance of forecasting a product’s performance in the market rather than focusing on its distribution. The importance of hiring an agency to help your business get attention from a potential buyer. The major mistakes that happen in the top to top meetings and the right thing to do. Learning to align and support your buyer’s business culture. Episode Timeline: [0:34] Intro: [2:44] She talks about the situation with the companies that she helps during the pandemic. [3:39] How she’s helping struggling companies to understand the market and accessing their capabilities. [5:43] The industries that are unexpectedly doing better than it was initially anticipated. [7:30] How to evaluate the context of a product when designing to stand out from similar products. [10:57] How to avoid legal problems with competitors plus validating why your product would be buyable. [12:42] Learning to start with the end in mind before launching a product. [15:03] How to get a buyer’s attention when you’re a small company by hiring an agency plus when to know they’ll work for you or not. [17:05] How to add value beyond the product you’re selling to gain influence by going green on everything on the buyer’s scorecard. [18:13] Some of the things that are in the buyer’s scorecard that as a business owner you don’t think about. [19:32] The meaning of the top to top business planning and it’s relation to your business leadership. [23:31] The importance of understanding where you fit in the buyer’s ecosystem to better get an idea of their expectations of you. [24:28] How to fulfill the expectations of your buyer while aligning and respecting their culture. [27:54] Julie advises those in retail and or planning to join the retail business. Quotes: “Build a plan to add value beyond the product you’re selling, to gain influence.” - Julie Walker [17:11] /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/15676307

First Generation Immigrant Builds A Massive Home Decor Brand -Jenny Zhu Ep 56 08/14/2020

First Generation Immigrant Builds A Massive Home Decor Brand -Jenny Zhu Ep 56 How First-Generation Immigrant Jenny Zhu Created the Massive Triangle Homes Fashions from Scratch. In a business that deals with warehouses from India and China to manufacture their textile products, there has to be an incredible business model, right? In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Luke Peters speaks with Jenny Zhu about her home décor textile business Triangle Homes Fashions. She is a first-generation immigrant who has turned Triangle homes into a massive company in only 10 years and now sells to major retailers plus 40 others. She graduated in 2005 summa Cum laude from the Fashion Institute of Technology before founding Triangle Homes in 2008. Listen in to learn the business model she uses with manufacturing factories overseas while taking care of the business side of things in the US. You will also learn the strategy they use at Triangle Homes to keep business running smoothly during the pandemic. Key Takeaways: How to use the ERP system to get the business data that helps you plan ahead. Learning to overcome challenges in a foreign country and rising to start a leading business. How to differentiate your brand to stand out in a saturated market. Episode Timeline: [0:29] Intro [2:01] She explains the home textile products that Triangle Home Fashions creates and distributes when she founded the company, and their business model. [3:29] How the COVID-19 has affected their operations from working from home to how they establish warehouse guidelines. [6:27] She describes how they prepared for the COVID-19 by manufacturing early and shifting the process from China to India. [9:41] The business model they use with their warehouses and shipping of products and what they’re looking to change in the future. [13:30] How they build a great ERP system to give them data to analyze different skew performance. [16:17] She explains where she spends her time in the company as the CEO while helping the team steer the company forward. [19:21] She narrates her childhood in China, the challenges she faced after her move to the US plus pursuing a career in the textile home décor field. [25:51] She explains how they differentiate their Lush Décor brand from similar décor brands. [31:48] The methods they use to skew inventory to get solo inventory turn goals. [35:35] She describes how she has had a hard time balancing work and life as an entrepreneur. Quotes: “We offer our customers some inspiration, we believe the customer will have a sense of what it is they want and we help them to find it and create the home of their dream.”- Jenny Zhu [25:57] /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/15565331

How CPG Brands can Grow & Find Investors Now- Jeff Grogg- Ep 55 08/07/2020

How CPG Brands can Grow & Find Investors Now- Jeff Grogg- Ep 55 How to Strategically Plan for The Rest Of 2020 in Every Aspect With COVID-19 In Mind. Hiring is sometimes where many leaders fail when they choose to delegate that process to recruiters when they should do it themselves. Leaders should also focus on the core and the people as a strategy to continue growing the business. Jeff Grogg is the founder and managing director of JPG Resources and has founded businesses in spaces ranging from athletic training to alcoholic beverages, in contract food manufacturing, to a new food venture fund. He has 25 years of experience as a leader in the natural food and beverage space. He shares his background and experience in the food industry and his strategy in acquiring and investing in small businesses. Listen in to hear advice on what to focus on for struggling small businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic. Key Takeaways: The power of a great team and input for business growth and leadership efficiency. The importance of hiring better people than you as a leader. How to make hard choices as a struggling business and focus on cash management and profitability. The science of abnormal supply chain explained. How to find high-quality deals in the right places for companies looking to acquire. Learning to simplify, focus on the goal, and focus on the people during hard times. A badly managed business vs a strategically managed business. Episode Timeline: [0:29] Intro [1:57] He has a background in food science and has found himself in both food and business management. [2:44] He credits teamwork and great input for his efficiency. [3:37] How he has scaled to afford people who are better than he is so he could move on to where he can add more value. [4:50] He describes different performance for different companies that he helps during the Coronavirus. [6:21] How to find actionable and aggressive ways to save struggling businesses. [7:38] He explains what JPG does in the food industry and helping other companies. [9:20] How he grew JPG through referrals and marketing even before he started. [10:37] He talks about the recent exciting project he’s worked on growing a small business to greater heights. [12:25] Why the supply is functioning differently because they’re built for a different market place than what is existing right now. [15:43] He describes qualities of the companies that they’re looking to fund and the deals they’re looking to acquire. [17:42] How they leverage networks that help them acquire higher-quality deals. [20:05] How he has learned to focus on the core goals and the wellbeing of the team during the COVID-19 pandemic. [21:00] He explains how he lost a plant after failing to manage it in the right way. [23:27] The process of hiring the right person for overall business success. [25:16] How to focus on discipline and simplicity when striving for business growth. “Do what you do best, do it really well, do it profitably.” -Jeff Grogg [25:30] /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/15462692

How Bartesian Retained IP, Built a Lean Team and Outsourced Sales & Distribution - Ryan Close- EP 54 07/31/2020

How Bartesian Retained IP, Built a Lean Team and Outsourced Sales & Distribution - Ryan Close- EP 54 How to Leverage Opportunities and Build an Authentic Brand Authenticity is something every new business should be striving for when branding. In the era of social media, your followers should translate to engagement and sales at the end of the day which is a good marketing strategy. In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Luke Peters speaks with Ryan Close, the founder, and CEO of award-winning intelligent hardware and consumer package good startup Bartesian. He is a former bartender, life-long entrepreneur, and passionate collaborator who has taken an idea from the garage to global. Ryan shares how his product Bartesian increased sales tremendously during the Coronavirus period and the marketing strategy they used. Listen in to learn the investor and partnership strategies that Bartesian leveraged to get funding and grow to what it is today. Key Takeaways: How to be authentic and engage customers to grow your business online. How to approach the strategy of looking for a partner. The masterful art of creating a product that sells itself. The benefits of doing something uncomfortable to become stronger and independent in what you’re doing. The qualities of a good leader that leads to team success. How to delegate tasks only to people who are aligned with your business mission and goals. Episode Timeline: [0:29] Intro [1:51] He explains in detail what is Bartesian and how it functions. [4:21] How the Coronavirus has impacted Bartesian positively seeing their sales increase up to 450%. [6:33] How Bartesian got free publicity from a viral TikTok video which was a huge booster for their brand and sales. [7:58] He explains how authenticity leads to customer engagement. [10:34] How they leverage the strategy of a small team that is productive. [11:41] He shares his investor story which took years of looking for funding and forming strategic partnerships. [18:01] How he perfected the design of the product by leveraging their partner. [21:40] How he launched Bartesian with Quickstarter. [23:54] Studying in Singapore and what that taught Ryan businesswise. [27:17] How he learned to be a good leader by joining the team rather than telling them what to do. [30:128] Learning to balance the fire inside of you as an entrepreneur and allowing things to take the course. [33:22] How to be candid with how you’re marketing your business and providing authenticity. [35:12] How he initially made the mistake of trusting the wrong person with his business. Quotes: “Anything that could make you uncomfortable, is going to make you better.” -Ryan Close /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/15369575

Rapid growth from 5 Business Acquisitions & eCommerce Growth during COVID – Steve Greenspon - EP 53 07/24/2020

Rapid growth from 5 Business Acquisitions & eCommerce Growth during COVID – Steve Greenspon - EP 53 Rapid growth from 5 Business Acquisitions & eCommerce Growth during COVID Innovation and differentiating are ways that ensure success in any industry and especially in an industry like homeware. These may include coming up with new designs and utilizing technology to the maximum. In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Luke Peters speaks with Steven Greenspon, the founder and CEO of Honey-Can-Do international. A leading provider of home storage, organization, garment care, ethnic cuisine preparation, and other housewares. Steven shares the strategies that his company utilizes in its operations that makes it different from other homeware companies out there. Listen in to learn the process of acquiring smaller companies and why Steven believes it might be harder than acquiring mid-sized companies. Key Takeaways: How to set up an effective work-from-home strategy for your employees during the Coronavirus period. The importance of investing in potential retailers and having effective communication. Learn how you can manage your time effectively attending only to important things. The advantage of having honest effective employees. Understanding the acquisition process of new companies and what to look for before acquiring. How you can innovate and differentiate in your industry to make your products unique even in a common industry. Episode Timeline: [0:29] Intro [2:20] He explains what his company does which is primarily a home storage organization. [3:38] How Honey-Can-Do International took early steps to deal with the COVID-19 to keep things running smoothly while still protecting the employees. [7:12] He explains how their working from home strategy has worked out perfectly. [10:19] He gives information about the size of the company’s workforce and its physical location. [12:10] How they deal with consumers directly through eCommerce and with specific retailers. [13:28] The growth in the eCommerce sector and investing in growing and potential retailers. [15:09] He talks about the challenges of dealing with retailers. [19:25] Steven explains how he effectively manages his personal and professional time. [21:38] Why he loves his position as the CEO and the tasks he performs to ensure company growth. [24:38] He describes the networking show held by the IHA organization that brings housewares companies together. [27:55] He speaks about his time at the LDR industries and the cause of his eventual leave. [31:07] The process of acquiring other businesses and how to differentiate them. [36:35] He describes the emotional attachment of smaller companies that makes it difficult to acquire. [38:34] How they’re innovating and differentiating in a common industry like homeware. [42:03] He shares the mistakes that cost the company money by trusting incompetent employees. Quotes: “We learn something new in the process of every single acquisition that we’ve done that we see this as a great opportunity for the future in terms of growth.”- Steven Greenspon [34:49] /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/14777645

Niche Made To Order Products & Leveraging Oprah’s Favorite Things List - Kim Strassner - EP 52 07/17/2020

Niche Made To Order Products & Leveraging Oprah’s Favorite Things List - Kim Strassner - EP 52 The Strategies of Starting and Managing Profitable Businesses During the Coronavirus Pandemic. What does it take to run a seasonal business that is prone to any disasters like the COVID-19? What if there are effective strategies that can change people’s minds about buying even though their reasons for buying change? In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Luke Peters speaks with Kim Strassner about her business and how it has been affected by the pandemic. Kim is the co-founder of Words with Boards, an online gift shop that deals with unique wooden personalized and custom products. Listen in to learn the online strategies that Kim has used during the pandemic to lift her company from making losses earlier in the year to make profits now. You will also learn how to recognize a need that can turn into a profitable business opportunity. Key Takeaways: How to use SEO on your website to attract buying customers without paid ads. How to take advantage of a need in a certain niche and start a profitable company to solve the problem. The importance of effective PR campaigns to build credibility and grow sales for your company. Episode Timeline: [0:35] Intro [1:41] Kim describes their personalized products at Words for Boards all made in the USA and their tree planting initiative [2:30] She explains what makes their products different from any other in the market. [4:19] The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business and the online strategies they have used to improve that. [7:33] How they started a face mask company when they saw a business opportunity. [9:03] How they generated $100k in sales in 3 weeks with their new company through word of mouth and press mentions. [11:42] She describes the manpower of her company plus the comparison of sales between the website and other means. [13:32] She mentions some of the PR strategies they have been involved in that brought immense sales and credibility. [16:02] She narrates the story of how she lucked out with focused and effective employees. [17:59] Why they plant a tree for each product purchased through their website as something they believe in. [19:49] How to communicate to your customers with authenticity during this time. Relevant Links: Websites: & LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/14777627

How to Bootstrap and Build a Lasting Company - Steven Hong - EP51 07/10/2020

How to Bootstrap and Build a Lasting Company - Steven Hong - EP51 How to Bootstrap and Build A Lasting Company The e-commerce world is a very competitive one, which means you need a strong brand strategy to establish a long-lasting business. In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Lou speaks with Steven Hong, the self-titled Chief Bandito at his company Discount Bandit, an online shopping service that matches up discount shoppers to retailers. Steven is a serial entrepreneur in the e-commerce space and has founded multiple e-commerce companies. Steven shares the immeasurable value of investing in a strong brand strategy that is more long term as compared to brand performance. Listen in to learn the importance of having an effective company culture in ensuring every employee is encouraged and determined to work. Key Takeaways: How to use traditional digital marketing by targeting the right customer hence creating a brand presence and a loyal following. The business model of targeting to make nothing on the first transaction. Questions to ask yourself when building a lasting business. The value of a brand strategy that is a more long term than brand performance. How to value your employees by influencing the company culture. Episode Timeline: [4:08] The impacts of Coronavirus to mid-sized companies and employees. [5:42] The negative effects of Coronavirus against Discount Bandit. [10:40] He explains how they use digital marketing to specifically target the right customer. [14:39] The importance of building a die-hard fan base even when it means losing money during that first transaction. [17:21] How to create value, culture, and be technology-focused to build a longer-lasting business. [22:17] How content marketing helps with long term brand recognition and lots of respect from manufacturers. [25:15] The importance of getting the company culture right. [26:43] How to hold company values to uplift the company culture “I think that culture is one of the few sorts of sustainable competitive advantages that a company can have.”- Steven Hong [26:01] /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/14777594

Chicken Health & Egg Farm Secrets – John Brunnquell – EP50 07/03/2020

Chicken Health & Egg Farm Secrets – John Brunnquell – EP50 What Does It Take to Be A Giant Egg Retailer? Do you know how egg farming works? The process that comes before you get it from your nearest retailer? In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Luke Peters sits with John Brunnquell as they talk about what it takes to sell and grow inside retailers in the specialty egg industry. John spent his entire career in the egg industry founding Egg Innovations in the 1990s. He shares the positive impact they have experienced in the retail egg industry due to COVID-19 and how that will work in the long-term. Listen to hear the different types of hen farming methods and the contribution each makes in the egg industry in the US. Key Takeaways: How the dramatic short-term changes that have occurred due to the pandemic. Learning to deal with the increased demand for a product over a short time. The integrated model of chicken farming when it comes to dealing with divisions of large retailers. The difference between cage-free, free-range, and pasture-fed chicken and their percentage in the American chicken market. What it takes to get freed space and win huge grocery companies across the country as a brand. Episode Timeline: [0:34] Intro [2:22] He tells the history of how Egg Innovations was born. [4:02] How the COVID-19 has positively impacted the egg industry with a 40% increase in the traditional value. [6:33] The two sides of the egg industry- the increased sales of retail and decreased sales of wholesalers. [7:32] The ways they’re using to build up their inventory to cover for the oversupply. [8:51] The impact of the current situation on the retail market in the long term. [9:55] He explains how they use the integrated model to run the business at Egg Innovations. [13:12] He talks about the marketing plans they have to create more brand awareness. [13:56] He explains the difference between cage-free eggs and free-range eggs. [15:36] Does the use of antibiotics on a bird make it inorganic? [16:33] He explains the percentage of chickens that are consisted of each category. [20:21] He explains how he gets freed space and what it takes to win groceries. [21:42] Where you can find Blue Sky across the country. [22:54] What is the truth about the relationship between eggs and salmonella? [25:29] The backyard hobby of raising hens and its non-economic impact. Relevant Links: Websites: /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/14777576

Female CEO of 3 Niche D2C Brands - PE investor backed - Alix James - EP49 06/26/2020

Female CEO of 3 Niche D2C Brands - PE investor backed - Alix James - EP49 Are you familiar with the process of companies joining private equity or being acquired instead? In this episode of the Page One Podcast, Luke Peters speaks with Alix James, the accomplished CEO of Nielsen-Kellerman company that is a designer and manufacturer of weather stations. She talks about why Nielsen-Kellerman joined private equity and later acquired three different companies to be run under the same umbrella. Listen in to learn how COVID-19 has affected both their supply and sales as a manufacturer. Key Takeaways: The work that goes into getting acquired business run smoothly after closing the deal. The impact of COVID-19 on the supply and sales of manufacturers in the US market. How to be smart as a business when planning for the future post-Coronavirus. How to manage and market for different companies under the same umbrella. Episode Timeline: [0:34] Intro [2:05] She talks about the birth of Nielsen-Kellerman company and what they do. [3:50] She explains why they joined private equity when the business was roughly 30 years old. [6:04] How they were able to acquire some businesses after joining private equity. [8:34] How they are working towards separating all 3 company domains and the benefits of it. [9:54] The effects of COVID-19 on their supply chain since they outsource electronics from China even though it’s not one of their major problems. [13:09] How Ambience weather products sell directly to consumers and the cost that the consumer should expect for the products. [16:23] She explains how the COVID-19 has affected the variability of sales. [19:20] How they’re planning for the future Post-COVID. [26:54] She talks about the scope and size of the NK company and the recognition they have received from their clients. [30:12] The management strategies for each of the companies under the NK umbrella. [35:16] She gives the percentage of the varied sales they make on amazon and directly. [38:05] How brand familiarity is working for them in online marketing. Relevant Links: Website: LinkedIn: Email: /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/14777519

The Amazon alternative that protects your brand - Jules Pieri – EP48 06/19/2020

The Amazon alternative that protects your brand - Jules Pieri – EP48 What you’ll learn: In this episode of the Page One Podcast, your host Luke Peters talks with Jules Pieri, the co-founder and CEO of The Grommet, a managed marketplace. Jules begins by describing how the company works and touches on how coronavirus has impacted The Grommet and different ways that Jules is working hard to care for her team during the crisis. In the second half of the episode, Jules discusses the main differences between The Grommet and Amazon, her perspective on using social media like Pinterest and Facebook, and the opportunities that Amazon’s shortcoming open up for businesses like The Grommet. Finally, she and Luke talk about the takeover of large companies like Amazon and changes that need to happen to protect smaller businesses. About our guest: Our guest, Jules Pieri, is the co-founder and CEO of The Grommet. Educated at the University of Michigan and Harvard Business School, she has gone on to compete with huge companies like Amazon and start The Grommet, a site that has launched more than 3000 innovative consumer products since 2008. The company's citizen commerce movement is reshaping how products are discovered, shared, and bought. Jules is one of Fortune's most powerful women entrepreneurs in 2013 and won Goldman Sachs 100 most interesting entrepreneurs in 2014. She is an Entrepreneur in Residence Emeritus at Harvard Business School and an investing partner at XFactor Ventures. She also happens to be an author! Jules’ first book, “How We Make Stuff Now: Turn Ideas into Products That Build Successful Businesses,” was published by McGraw-Hill in April 2019. Key takeaways from this episode: How The Grommet has handled coronavirus and Jules’ strategies for taking care of her team during this time The differences between The Grommet and Amazon The centrality of product videos on The Grommet’s website Jules’ view of using social media like Facebook and Pinterest How Amazon’s shortcomings open opportunities for companies like The Grommet How to protect against cheap, counterfeit manufacturers and changes that need to take place to protect businesses Episode Timeline: 0:55 – Luke introduces today’s guest, Jules Pieri 1:50 – A description of Jules’ company, a managed marketplace 3:58 – How coronavirus has impacted Jules’ and The Grommet 6:38 – Business changes during the pandemic, meetings, and communication 12:43 – The Grommet staff and warehouse locations 14:48 – Jules’ personal strength: designing and creating 15:28 – The differences between The Grommet and Amazon 20:49 – The Grommet’s site traffic and conversion rate 24:00 – How The Grommet uses product videos on their website 25:12 – How The Grommet uses social media like Facebook and Pinterest 27:03 – Jules talks about the best consumer product opportunities 29:00 – What opportunities does Amazon open up for competitors? 31:09 – Jules’ perspective on the changes needed to protect companies 37:00 – “How We Make Stuff Now” by Jules Pieri /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/14171075

Disruptive Brand Marketing From A Consumer Lens – Hannah Robbins – EP47 06/12/2020

PPP Loan Forgiveness & making the most of the Cares act for businesses – Frank Kaufman – Moss Adams - EP 46 06/05/2020

PPP Loan Forgiveness & making the most of the Cares act for businesses – Frank Kaufman – Moss Adams - EP 46 Have you applied for the PPP fund? Did you know there’s still time for you to apply? But wait, before you apply, there are some things that you need to keep in mind. In this episode of the Page One podcast, Luke Peters sits with Frank Kaufman as he talks about the PPP fund and all that you should know before and after applying and whether you will be forgiven or not. Frank is the retail national practice leader at Moss Adams and chairs the firm’s Paycheck Protection Program Technical Resource Group. He has been serving clients in the Retail and Direct to Consumer channels since 1983. Listen in to learn about the PPP forgiveness and the mistakes you could be making in that process. Key Takeaways: When the PPP fund is forgiven and the time it will take to start repaying if it’s not. Understanding the law behind the PPP fund. The elements of the buckets of PPP fund forgiveness. Why you need to go apply for the PPP fund if you haven’t already. Understanding the 11 months loan forgiveness process. How you can use your PPP fund for the liquidity of your business. Other programs aside from the PPP that you can apply for a loan from. Episode Timeline: [0:30] Intro [3:02] He explains how different retail businesses his company represents are performing amid COVID-19. [4:30] He describes Moss Adams- their span and whom they serve. [7:05] He explains in detail why the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has delayed. [9:01] Why you need to be smart in how you spend your PPP fund which can either be forgiven or the time you need to prepare before starting to pay it off. [11:54] Understanding when taking the PPP loan money can lead to breaking the law and where you get protected. [14:57] The two buckets that are considered when it comes to forgiveness. [16:27] The missing elements that are not too obvious in the two buckets of forgiveness. [19:32] He explains the methodologies that you can use to calculate and help impact your forgiveness amount. [20:57] How you can count employees that did not come as though they came back. [23:18] He mentions some of the common mistakes that borrowers are making that could hurt their loan forgiveness process. [26:05] How the PPP money can become an equity contribution to your business if forgiven. [28:48] He describes ways in which you can improve your company’s liquidity. [31:25] How the digital economy and fear of losses from banks is going to affect how investors will view businesses in the future. [33:50] The changes in the investment’s patterns now and in the future due to the COVID-19. [36:28] He mentions some other programs that you can apply to aside from the PPP or even if you get it. Relevant Links: Email: Website: /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/14670062

Corporate Gifting and Employee Appreciation During COVID-19 – Tom Romine - EP45 06/04/2020

How to negotiate with your Target and Walmart Buyer and leverage your power – Daniel Duty – EP44 05/29/2020

How to negotiate with your Target and Walmart Buyer and leverage your power – Daniel Duty – EP44 What you’ll learn: As businessowners and entrepreneurs, we’ve all negotiated with someone—whether that be buyers, clients, or manufacturers. Just two months into COVID-19, and you may also be considering a renegotiation with your landlord of your office lease—if you haven’t done so already. Here to guide us through negotiations of all kinds is negotiation ninja Daniel Duty. Daniel lead the negotiation to get Starbucks into all of Target’s stores. He knows a thing or two on how to build partnerships, leverage power, and craft a solution that meets everyone’s needs. Listen for endless tips on how to approach your next negotiation. About our guest: Daniel built the Business Partnerships and Negotiations team for Target where he developed its negotiations and partnership strategy and implemented a variety of tools and frameworks, creating billions of dollars in savings, growth and innovation. Daniel has led hundreds of negotiations with companies like Nestle, Hasbro, and Unilever. He developed strategic partnerships creating innovative new products and solutions with organizations like P&G, Starbucks and UNICEF. Prior to joining Target, Daniel negotiated on behalf of US Senator Paul Simon, the US International Trade Commission, General Mills and other organizations. Key takeaways from this episode: The most common mistake companies make when negotiating with buyers and vendors—3:10 3 tips for renegotiating your lease in the time of COVID-19—5:52 How to maintain partnerships during an email or non-verbal negotiation—8:48 What is the right approach to negotiating a China tariff price increase? —12:28 How to leverage your differentiation in the marketplace to buyers—16:03 A guide to more successfully pitching your brand to Target—17:14 Negation trends: what is working today and what isn’t—21:00 How to determine if your buyer is using negotiation tactics or tricks to get you to lower prices—24:12 The importance of being honest and knowing your rank as a supplier—26:06 The top factors that buyers look for when considering a quote supplier—28:40 The 3 sources of leveraging power during a negotiation—30:18 How a negotiation coach will help you grow top line and grow bottom line as an organization or business of any size —36:07 Get a evaluation of your online sales strategy Episode References: Contact Daniel Duty: + Contact Luke: + Listen, Subscribe, Review: + /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/14083526

How a Husband and Wife Team Sold Their House to Build A Startup. Then The COVID19 virus Hit – Karina Rabin – EP43 05/22/2020

How a Husband and Wife Team Sold Their House to Build A Startup. Then The COVID19 virus Hit – Karina Rabin – EP43 What you’ll learn: If you own a small business or startup, you most likely cut your marketing budget to extend you cash flow through this COVID-19 pandemic. You are most likely also figuring out how to pivot your marketing strategy now that your retailers are closed, cash flow is tight, and customers are turning to ecommerce marketplaces. On today’s episode, we interview a new business owner with a small company to talk you through these very issues. About our guest: Karina and Jared Rabin are the co-founders of a popular all-in-one picture hanging tool called the Hang-O-Matic. They sold their dream home in Orange County in order to self-fund their product and get it into major retail stores like Hobby Lobby, Menards, and Home Depot. Key takeaways from this episode: What is the Hang-O-Matic? The tool you need in quarantine–4:50 How Karina and Jared met and brought Hang-O-Matic to market—6:01 Major Hang-O-Matic retail partners—7:14 How Karina navigated third-party sellers driving down MSRP—8:18 The impact coronavirus has had on Hang-O-Matic sales—10:10 How a small retailer business shifts to ecommerce—10:52 Why COVID-19 demands you shift your marketing focus and learn new skills as a business—11:45 Increase ROI directly within retailer sites—13:56 How to balance vendor IPO’s with long payment terms—15:14 The unique licensing deal that doesn’t just deal with royalties—10:28 Karina’s biggest fears and hopes as a small business owner living in a COVID-19 world—21:10 Best marketing strategy for startups like Hang-O-Matic—23:01 How to get a 100% buyer response rate with the right sales pitch—25:45 Get into stores immediately with the right LinkedIn pitch—28:14 Biggest lesson Karina learned by starting a business before the virus—31:53 Get a evaluation of your online sales strategy Episode References: Contact Karina Rabin: Contact Luke: + Listen, Subscribe, Review: + /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/14004050

China Supply Chain & OEM Manufacturing – protect your brand and stay competitive globally - Bruce Kaminstein - EP42 05/15/2020

How Newton Baby bootstrapped to profitability with performance based marketing – Aaron Zagha - EP41 05/08/2020

Great CEOs are lazy- Remove kinks in your business - Jim Schleckser - EP40 05/01/2020

Coronavirus & women-owned businesses plus the best time to Negotiate in China is NOW – Mei Xu – EP39 04/24/2020

Coronavirus & women-owned businesses plus the best time to Negotiate in China is NOW – Mei Xu – EP39 What you’ll learn: In today’s episode, we get right into it: how has the pandemic impacted women-owned businesses and how are they responding? What can CPG companies do to stay afloat financially as COVID-19 continues? Our guest Mei Xu, founder & CEO of three global companies, is here to lead us through this turbulent economic time and help us see why now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen your brand. About our guest: Mei Xu, a Chinese American businesswoman, successful entrepreneur, and the founder & CEO of three global consumer product companies: Pacific Trade International, Bliss Living Home® and Chesapeake Bay Candle®. Xu successfully negotiated the sale of Chesapeake Bay Candle to Newell Brands in 2017, aligning her lifestyle brand with Newell Brands’ $14 billion portfolio of iconic consumer goods including Elmer’s Glue, Rubbermaid, and Yankee Candle that have been household mainstays for generations. Key takeaways from this episode: The impact of coronavirus on women-owned businesses—2:40 2 steps to manage cash flow—5:37 How to negotiate terms with Chinese factories—7:40 A hidden opportunity: selling summer items to your China retail channel—10:10 The number one thing businesses must do to adapt to the pandemic—13:09 Why you need to own your inventory and how—14:00 Why this is a once-and-a-lifetime opportunity to reach your customer—16:16 How to shorten the supply chain process with an online business—19:50 How Mei Xu supports women venture and women-owned business—20:25 The biggest problem women face when starting a business and Mei Xu plans on solving it—23:03 Mei Xu’s biggest piece of advice to entrepreneurs—27:46 Get a evaluation of your online sales strategy Episode References: + Yes She May Contact Mei Xu: mei@meixu.com + Contact Luke: + Listen, Subscribe, Review: + /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/14004023

COVID-19 Cash Flow Runway Plan & Forecasting: Strategic Planning Process - Shannon Susko 3HAG Way Author - EP38 04/17/2020

Importance of digitalization of your sales strategy and personalized marketing during the COVID-19 pandemic - Jean-Philippe Persico - EP37 04/10/2020

Importance of digitalization of your sales strategy and personalized marketing during the COVID-19 pandemic - Jean-Philippe Persico - EP37 What you’ll learn: In a world where social distancing is government mandated, businesses must change the way in which they interact with their customers. On today’s episode, we talk with JP Persico, Director of Innovation and Strategy at Bosch USA, on the importance of not only digitalizing your sales channel but of humanizing your online communication with clients. About our guest: Jean-Philippe Persico leads corporate development and strategy initiatives in the automotive aftermarket division at Bosch in North America. He thrives by finding disruptive services and product ideas and execute them through all phases of development and launch. JP recently launched an ecosystem initiative which is built on a mix of venture investments and internally developed solutions, to create the maximum value for Bosch’s customers. All these initiatives help the organization digitally transform the Bosch business to be nimble and future proof in an everchanging market landscape. Key takeaways from this episode: Why building a new buying experience for customers—using innovation, digitization, and transparency—will help the automotive industry power through this emergency—3:10 The power of empathy in response to the coronavirus crisis—8:45 How the coronavirus is affecting different sectors of the automotive industry—9:42 Why now is not the time to sell, but to listen—10:20 Strategies to rethink your marketing approach when your industry is experiencing layoffs and closures due to COVID-19—12:02 How to better serve your customers when in-person is no longer an option—17:40 Partner venturing: how to leverage tools from multiple businesses to problem-solve and build solutions for your brand—19:46 How to use passive listening to learn about your customers’ good experiences with your product—24:50 JP’s advice to CMO’s, business owners, and marketers on how to standout and rise above the noise—28:09 Get a evaluation of your online sales strategy Episode References:  Contact Jean-Philippe “JP” Persico: Contact Luke: +   Listen, Subscribe, Review:  +   /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/13915331

COVID-19 & Small Business cashflow, Inventory Planning, Ecommerce Trends, and future supply chains - EP36 04/09/2020

COVID-19 & Small Business cashflow, Inventory Planning, Ecommerce Trends, and future supply chains - EP36 What you’ll learn: On today’s episode, host Luke Peters commandeers the mic to lead us through actionable ways businesses can fix cash flow in these unprecedented times. Peters also gives his market predictions for Q2, Q3, and Q4 followed by some unexpected positivity that’s emerged in response to the virus. And stay tuned for more Coronavirus coverage. Every future episode will begin with COVID-19 discussions with our guests, who will share their thoughts, opinions, and guidance for businessowners who need help navigating all the obstacles that this emergency throws at them. About our host: Luke Peters started NewAir Appliances out of his garage with this wife 18 years ago. He continues to grow the company and strive towards the goal of becoming the most trusted brand in compact appliances. He recently founded Retail Band as a strategic consulting practice to help other brands grow their digital sales like he did with Newair. If you would like to grow your DTC, Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, or Wayfair sales online, his new company helps in a strategic way by also working towards the growth of your brand enterprise value. Key takeaways from this episode: Why businesses should think and plan for themselves before receiving government direction—2:30 The current landscape: what small businesses are up against in this crisis—3:55 Will the PPP make a positive impact on small businesses and the market?—5:00 How fixing your Demand Plan with fix your cash flow—6:21 How to react and respond to COVID-19 when the future is unknown—7:34 The impact on Q2, Q3, and Q4—8:40 Google trends: online buying trends on big box retailers (Home Depot, etc.)—8:45 Positive news: how the crisis has unified the world and created inspiring public responses—9:55 How to think about your future supply chain—11:32 Get a evaluation of your online sales strategy Episode References: Contact Luke: + Listen, Subscribe, Review: + /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/13907255

How to strengthen customer relationships and maintain a strong brand through a pandemic - Kevin Walker - EP35 04/03/2020

CPG sales opportunities in Latin America and digital marketing strategies for a global marketplace - Catalina Moscoso - EP34 03/27/2020

Coronavirus effects on Walmart’s supply chain — Amazon and Walmart account management - Scott Bowman - EP33 03/20/2020

Coronavirus effects on Walmart’s supply chain — Amazon and Walmart account management - Scott Bowman - EP33 What you’ll learn On today’s episode, we look at the impact of the coronavirus on businesses, especially on big box retailers like Amazon and Walmart. About our guest Over 30 years of diverse business experience and 24 years of retail and consumer goods industry experience, and 4 years of Wal-Mart buying experience. Scott’s 17 years of consulting experience provide him the knowledge and insights needed to be a creative and pragmatic leader and “Team Builder,” skilled at planning, organizing, leading, and executing complex cross-functional sales and operations activities that cross organizational boundaries to quickly deliver business results. Scott has an inactive CPA status and an MBA from Boston University. Key takeaways The Strategic Alliances, Inc. mission statement—2:08 The Strategic Alliances, Inc. Statistics (employee count, warehouse size, etc.)—4:30 Most common challenges brands face when selling on Amazon and Walmart—6:55 Amazon and Walmart pricing strategies: which one is self-destructive to small businesses?—10:29 How to push through tariff price increases to retailers without a buyer—16:37 Tips on navigating Amazon as a vender, especially when not instore at Walmart—18:16 How to negotiate buyer pushback on profit margins and MAP—22:45 How big retailers are responding to coronavirus supply chain, manufacturing, and stocking issues—23:00 Scott’s Hot Take: 5-year projection on Walmart’s quarterly growth versus Amazon’s quarterly growth—28:20 The Strategy Alliances, Inc. ERP and PIM systems—32:52 How to take a rudderless business and build it a successful strategy—36:25 Advice on how to build strategy into process—41:50 Scott’s biggest lesson in business—42:45 Get a FREE evaluation of your online sales strategy Episode References: Contact Scott Bowman: Contact Luke: luke@retailband.com + Listen, Subscribe, Review: + /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/13603199

PhD Virologist talks China Coronavirus precautions and health advice – Vishal Khairnar - EP32 03/13/2020

PhD Virologist talks China Coronavirus precautions and health advice – Vishal Khairnar - EP32 What you’ll learn: Is the coronavirus outbreak over hyped or is the recent cancellation of the Inspired Home Show Chicago 2020 (IHS) and other trade shows warranted? On today’s episode, we bring on infectious disease specialist Vishal Khairnar to talk us through the ins-and-outs of the global coronavirus outbreak. Khairnar explains the R naught of the virus and gives us more precautionary measures to implement as businessowners, besides basic hand washing. Plus, our guest answer uncommon, but important questions we all want to know, like can our dog or cat get infected with coronavirus? Will there be a second outbreak of COVID-19? About our guest: Vishal Khairnar is a Research Scientist with an expertise in Immunology and Cancer biology with respect to infectious diseases, viruses (LCMV, VSV, Influenza), bacteria (Listeria, Pseudomonas), immunotherapy, leukemia and lymphoma. Khairnar is the fellow of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Young Investigator Awardee. He is a highly skilled researcher with 9+ years of experience in immunology research with 15 high impact papers and 5 conference abstracts. Key takeaways from this episode: History of the coronaviruses: what is unique about it and what is known—3:08 How did coronavirus start? Its transfer from an animal in Wuhan, China to humans in the US—6:00 What does R naught mean? Is the coronavirus more contagious than Ebola?—7:30 Coronavirus cure: vaccine timeline & updates on FDA approved clinical trials by Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Gilead and other pharmaceutical companies—11:23 How coronavirus spreads in the body & is similar in transmission to the influenza virus—15:00 Can your dog or home pet catch coronavirus?—19:35 The cause of death: is the virus the direct cause or is it a secondary bacterial infection in the lungs?—21:03 Influenza virus versus the coronavirus (COVID-19)—26:48 How likely will COVID-19 mutate and come back for a second outbreak?—33:19 Why decontamination of surfaces is important, especially during winter season—33:56 Public hysteria or serious health concern? Khairnar tells us if the trade show and travel cancellations are justified—38:37 Get a of your online sales strategy Episode References: + + Contact Vishal Khairnar: Contact Luke: + Listen, Subscribe, Review: Podcasts + /episode/index/show/page1podcast/id/13477280

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